Page 34 of Nanny for the SEAL

Ivy radiates with an illumination that comes from deep within her. Still, I can sense there’s something there lurking behind it.

It’s a weight she carries, and for some stupid reason, I want to help her with it—so much more than I should.

Oh, and there’s also the fact that she’s stunning. Like drop-dead gorgeous in the most girl next door, honest heart kind of way. Which is fitting, considering she really is the girl next door.

I sigh, letting my head fall back against the chair. Spinning away from the desk, I know that I’m not going to get any more work done.

Nope, I’m far too distracted by the one thing that I should absolutely not be thinking about.

“Attracted to the nanny. Ugh, who even are you right now?”

As I stand up, about to turn it in for the evening since focusing on work isn’t happening, my phone rings.

I check the time. It’s not obscenely late or anything, but it is nine-thirty, and most of the people calling me know that I have a kid who demands I wake up early.

Taking my cell, I see that it’s Adam, and the corners of my mouth turn down in surprise.

“Well, holy shit.” I swipe to answer. “Hey there, buddy. I’m surprised to be hearing from you again so soon.”

“I said I was forcing your ass to socialize, and I meant it. So, in the spirit of that, we’re grabbing a drink tomorrow night, and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

I scoff, which turns into a laugh as I find myself sitting back down. “Adam, that’s late notice, dude. I have a kid. Who’s going to watch her?”

“That’s not my problem, Xade. Get a sitter. Come on. Weneedto go out, and you’re doing it. Yes is the only answer.”

Sighing, I lean back in the chair, considering. It has been a long time since I’ve been out, especially without Daisy. But I can’t just make Ivy do it. She needs to have a life, too, doesn’t she?

Could it actually hurt, though? Maybe I could take Mason up on that favor he owes me?

“Fine, fine. I’ll go. Mason owes me a night out, so I’ll text him.”

“Damn fucking straight. Ugh,” I can practically see Adam celebrating his win, “this is going to be great.”

Chuckling, I roll my eyes to myself. “It’ll be something. But hey, I need to text Mason before he’s off to bed, too. Fellow dad, you know.”

“Oof, yeah, it’s late. After nine o’clock? Tsk, tsk. You better get to bed, young man.”

Adam is lucky he’s not in arm’s reach, or he’d be on the receiving end of a quick one-two to the stomach. Nothing hard, of course, but damn, he can be a little prick sometimes.

“Alright, that’s enough. See you tomorrow.”

“Meet me at like eight. Not a moment later. I’ll text you the deetz.”

Standing up, I begin to close up shop in my office, shutting off the lights and closing the door.

"Night, Adam.”

“Nighty, night, Xade!”

I hang up, but I don’t bother tucking my phone away. I need to message Mason.

Hey, Mason. I need to cash in that favor. Can you watch Daisy tomorrow night?

Thankfully, I catch him before he passes out, and he’s quick to reply.

Oh, shit. You finally taking that nanny out?

No, asshole. Adam wants to get drinks. He says eight, but I think it’ll go smoother if Daisy goes straight to your house after her nap.

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